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Castle to 'be finished' over 700 years after it was built

A castle on Anglesey, will finally be 'completed' over 700 years after it was first built.

Beaumaris Castle and moat with swan in the water. Credit: Robert Knight/Eye Ubiquitous/Press Association

Visitors will be able to experience Edward I's castle as it was originally intended, for the very first time thanks to a £170,000 investment from the Welsh Government's historic environment service (Cadw).

Building of the castle began in 1295 as part of efforts made by Edward I to cement his conquest of Wales.

Credit: David Jones/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Despite never being completed, the castle was at the pinnacle of medieval castle design and technology as it was constructed to a 'walls within walls' plan, considered high-tech for its time.

Visitors will now be able to see a dedicated exhibition about the site's construction; meet the castle craftsmen through 3D displays and innovative soundscapes; and take part in a physical castle build activity.

Along with Harlech, Conwy and Caernarfon castles, Beaumaris Castle forms one of Wales's only three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so it's crucial that we continue to strengthen its visitor experience to attract visitors from Wales and beyond.

We're always looking at imaginative ways to bring Wales's historic sites to life to appeal to new audiences, and through the use of digital technology and creative displays, the improved interpretation succeeds in doing just that.